1000 Genomas Project to sequence DNA from endangered Rapa Nui species with Universidad de Chile’s support
.From April 28 to 30, an interinstitutional delegation led by Universidad de Chile will visit Rapa Nui for a distinctive and important task: sequencing the genomes of two species native to the territory. These are the Henderson petrel (Pterodroma atrata) and the pure cowrie (Monetaria caputdraconis).
Sequencing both species’ DNA will reveal their genetic diversity, how they have adapted to their island environment, and threats to their survival. This information is essential for designing effective conservation strategies and contributes to global knowledge about endemic and vulnerable species.
For Professor Miguel Allende, director of the Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (IM-CRG) and a Universidad de Chile academic who helped initiate the activity, the Rapa Nui workshop represents a dual milestone: “On one hand, sequencing DNA from unique threatened species will provide information essential to their conservation; on the other, it offers an unprecedented opportunity for island students to participate actively in this scientific process. Enabling eleventh- and twelfth-grade students to use real-time sequencing technology to explore the genomes of their own biodiversity is a powerful way to bring science into local communities, inspire careers and strengthen the connection between knowledge, identity and the future.”
Cristian Cuevas Vega, Undersecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, says: “This initiative brings together several concepts important to our Ministry: multidisciplinarity, collaboration, cutting-edge technology, outreach and close community relationships. We value and protect what we know, which is why the work of 1000 Genomas is so important. It involves teachers and students as protagonists who go into the field, collect samples and sequence threatened species. For all humanity, science is more essential than ever: we need data and evidence, and that is precisely what this research group provides. Through science and technology, we can move toward sustainable development.”
In agreement and coordination with local communities and authorities, the work will be carried out by a delegation including Undersecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Cristian Cuevas; Guido Girardi, president of the Congreso Futuro Foundation; Héctor Ramírez, director of the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM); Dr. Miguel Allende, CRG director; and Dr. Juliana Vianna, a Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile researcher and national coordinator of the 1000 Genomas Project. Six master’s and doctoral students will accompany them to guide the workshop for island schoolchildren.
Beyond research: science education
Alongside this scientific mission, the team will hold the Biodiversity in Extreme Environments Workshop, led by the Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG) and the 1000 Genomas initiative, with backing from Universidad de Chile. It aims to bring genomic science to the country’s most remote areas and contribute to conserving unique species through DNA research.
A highlight will be the active participation of eleventh- and twelfth-grade students from island schools, who will have an unprecedented opportunity to sequence DNA from Rapa Nui’s native species using real-time sequencing technology (Oxford Nanopore). The experience will allow them to explore firsthand how genomics can help protect their biological heritage.
On Wednesday, April 30, the event will conclude with a science fair open to the entire community at the Marae of Hanga Piko. It will include a photographic exhibition on Chilean biodiversity, interactive scientific activities with schoolchildren, and conversations with researchers. The day will celebrate knowledge, share preliminary fieldwork results and strengthen connections between science and the local community.
The workshop forms part of the 1000 Genomas initiative’s efforts to democratize access to science, inspire scientific careers and generate frontier knowledge on biodiversity in extreme environments, amid growing urgency over climate change.
What is the 1000 Genomas Project?
The 1000 Genomas Project is a scientific initiative to sequence Chile’s biodiversity, led by the Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation (CRG). It brings together research projects of excellence nationwide, including the Millennium Institutes BASE, IMO and IBio, and centers such as CMM, CHIC, ACCDiS and IEB, with support from nine Chilean universities. Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and train specialists in genomics to understand Chile’s biodiversity.
The event is made possible by sponsor Oxford Nanopore and collaboration with Congreso Futuro, which supports science outreach in the country’s most isolated areas.